Walking into a med spa Bronxville appointment for the first time can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially when you’re not sure what questions to ask or what will happen once you arrive. Most people feel a mix of excitement and nerves before their first visit, but knowing what to expect removes the mystery and helps you feel more in control. At Beauty & Fly in Bronxville, your first consultation with Catherine Curtin sets the foundation for your entire aesthetic journey, making it easier to understand your options and feel confident about the next steps.
Table of Contents
What Makes Med Spas Different
Most people think getting aesthetic treatments means choosing between a relaxing day spa or a clinical doctor’s office. But a med spa Bronxville visit offers something completely different. Medical spas sit right in the middle, giving you the best of both worlds. You get real medical treatments that actually work, but in a space that feels comfortable and welcoming instead of cold and sterile. At Beauty & Fly, this balance means you’re working with Catherine Curtin, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 18 years of experience, but you’re doing it in a setting where you can actually relax.
The Medical Spa Advantage
The biggest difference comes down to who’s doing your treatment and what they’re allowed to do. Day spas can make you feel pampered, but they can’t perform medical procedures. Doctor’s offices have the expertise, but they often feel rushed and impersonal.
Here’s what sets medical spas apart:
- Licensed medical professionals perform all treatments, not estheticians or spa technicians
- Access to prescription-strength products and FDA-approved injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers
- Advanced technology like lasers, PRP therapy, and microneedling that require medical training
- Personalized treatment plans based on your specific skin concerns and goals
Comparing Your Options
Understanding where to go for different treatments can be confusing. Each type of facility serves a different purpose, and knowing the differences helps you make the right choice for your needs.
| Feature | Day Spa | Medical Spa | Dermatology Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider Type | Estheticians, massage therapists | Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors | Dermatologists, medical assistants |
| Treatment Focus | Relaxation, surface-level care | Results-driven aesthetic enhancements | Medical skin conditions, diseases |
| Available Procedures | Facials, massages, basic peels | Injectables, lasers, PRP, advanced peels | Skin cancer treatment, prescription medications |
| Atmosphere | Spa-like, very relaxed | Comfortable blend of medical and spa | Clinical, medical office setting |
| Appointment Length | 60-90 minutes typical | 30-60 minutes, never rushed | 15-30 minutes, often quick |
The Natural Results Approach
Medical spas focus on making you look like yourself, just refreshed. The goal isn’t to change your face or make it obvious you’ve had work done. Instead, treatments address specific concerns like fine lines, lost volume, or uneven skin texture in ways that enhance what you already have.
This approach requires a few key elements:
- Time spent understanding your concerns and goals before any treatment
- Conservative treatment plans that can be adjusted over time
- Medical expertise to know what will work for your unique skin and face structure
- Honest conversations about what’s realistic and what’s not
When you visit a med spa in Bronxville like Beauty & Fly, you’re getting treatments that are both medically sound and aesthetically refined. Catherine’s background includes training other aesthetic professionals, which means you’re learning from someone who literally teaches these techniques to other practitioners.
Before You Book Your Appointment
Most people spend more time researching a new restaurant than they do choosing someone to inject their face. That’s a problem. Your first med spa Bronxville visit should start with homework, not just clicking the first Google result. The person holding the needle matters more than the brand name on the syringe, and you need to know who you’re trusting with your appearance.
Before You Book Your Appointment
Catherine Curtin brings 18 years of aesthetic medicine experience to every appointment at Beauty & Fly, which matters because this field changes constantly. Someone who’s been doing this since before Instagram existed has seen trends come and go, and knows what actually works versus what just looks good in a filtered photo.
- Check credentials and certifications (board-certified providers only)
- Read actual patient reviews, not just star ratings
- Look at before and after photos to see if the style matches what you want
- Make sure the provider does consultations, not just quick assessments
- Consider timing around weddings, vacations, or big events
Here’s what most people get wrong about goal-setting. They walk in saying “I want Botox” when what they really mean is “I hate these forehead lines.” The treatment is just a tool, not the goal itself. Think about what bothers you when you look in the mirror, not which procedure you saw on TikTok.
Your consultation should feel collaborative, like planning something together rather than ordering off a menu. If a provider makes you feel rushed or pushes specific treatments before understanding your concerns, that’s your sign to leave.
What Happens During Your Consultation
Walking into a med spa for the first time feels a bit like a doctor’s appointment mixed with a spa day, which makes sense because that’s exactly what it is. At Beauty & Fly’s Bronxville location on Pondfield Road, you’ll meet directly with Catherine for your consultation. There’s no handoff to different staff members or assembly-line feeling. Every consultation is conducted by Catherine personally, which means the person assessing your skin is the same person who would perform your treatment.
What Happens During Your Consultation
The appointment starts with a thorough look at your skin and facial structure. This isn’t just a quick glance. Catherine examines skin texture, volume loss, fine lines, and how your face moves when you talk and smile.
What gets discussed during your consultation:
- Your medical history and any medications you take
- Specific concerns about aging, skin texture, or volume loss
- Realistic expectations for what treatments can and cannot do
- Different options like neuromodulators, dermal fillers, or treatments like microneedling with PRP
- The NOUVAderm laser for skin tone and texture improvements
- Timeline for results and any needed follow-up sessions
Nobody’s going to pressure you into booking a treatment that day. Good aesthetic medicine requires trust, and trust takes time to build. Some people book their first treatment during the consultation, others go home and think about it for weeks.
The education part matters more than you’d think. Understanding why a specific treatment works for your concern helps you make better decisions. Catherine teaches other aesthetic professionals, so explaining complex concepts in simple terms is part of what she does daily.
Questions You Should Ask
The best patients ask questions. Not because they don’t trust their provider, but because they want to understand what’s happening to their face. Walking out of a consultation confused about the plan means something went wrong in the communication. You should leave knowing exactly what was recommended and why.
Start with qualifications because not everyone doing injections has the same training. Ask about certifications, how long they’ve been practicing aesthetic medicine, and whether they teach or train others in the field.
- What are my treatment options for this specific concern?
- Why do you recommend this particular approach over alternatives?
- How long until I see results, and how long do they last?
- What does recovery look like, and when can I return to normal activities?
- What are the potential side effects I should watch for?
- Do you recommend any skincare products to enhance or maintain results?
- What do memberships or financing options look like?
Don’t skip the skincare conversation. Professional products like SkinBetter science or Alumier MD can extend your treatment results significantly. Think of treatments as the main event and skincare as the supporting cast that keeps everything looking good between appointments.
Cost questions aren’t rude. You need to know what you’re committing to financially, especially if you’re considering ongoing treatments. Beauty & Fly offers membership options that can make regular maintenance more accessible.
After Your First Visit
You just spent an hour discussing your face with a professional, and now you’re sitting in your car with a custom treatment plan and probably some decisions to make. This is actually the most important part of the process. Taking time to think through your options isn’t hesitation, it’s smart. Aesthetic treatments work best when you’re fully committed to the plan, not when you felt pressured into booking.
Review everything discussed during your consultation. Look at the recommended treatments, the timeline, and what kind of commitment you’re making. Some treatments need multiple sessions, others require maintenance every few months.
- Read through your custom treatment plan carefully
- Consider your schedule and when you can realistically fit in appointments
- Think about any prep work needed, like starting specific skincare products
- Use the patient portal to book when you’re ready
- Ask follow-up questions if anything is unclear
If you decide to move forward, scheduling is straightforward through Beauty & Fly’s online booking system. The patient portal makes it easy to manage appointments without playing phone tag. Starting a skincare routine before certain treatments can improve your results, so don’t skip that step if it was recommended.
Membership options make sense for people planning ongoing care. If you know you want regular treatments to maintain results, the math usually works out better than paying per visit. But there’s no pressure to commit to anything beyond what feels right for your goals and budget.
Your Med Spa Journey Starts Here
Walking into a med spa Bronxville location for the first time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you know what to expect and come prepared with your questions and goals written down, you’ll get so much more out of that initial consultation. The difference between a good experience and a great one often comes down to finding someone who actually listens to what you want instead of pushing treatments you don’t need.
That’s where Beauty & Fly’s approach stands out. You’re not just another appointment on a busy schedule. Catherine Curtin takes the time to understand your specific concerns and creates a plan that makes sense for your face, your budget, and your comfort level.
Most people worry about looking overdone or fake, but the right provider knows how to enhance what you already have. The goal isn’t to change who you are. It’s about feeling confident when you look in the mirror.
Your aesthetic goals are more achievable than you might think, especially when you’re working with someone who has 18 years of experience and trains other practitioners. Sometimes all it takes is that first conversation to realize you’ve been putting off something that could make a real difference in how you feel about yourself.
Still have questions about what happens during your visit or which treatments might work best for your concerns? Let’s cover some of the most common questions people ask before booking their first appointment.
Common First Visit Questions
Walking into a med spa Bronxville location for the first time brings up a lot of practical questions. Most people wonder about the same things before their appointment, and having clear answers makes the whole experience less stressful. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Beauty & Fly in Bronxville.
How long does a first consultation take?
Your first visit typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Catherine Curtin takes time to understand your concerns, examine your skin, and discuss treatment options that make sense for your goals. You’ll never feel rushed during your appointment.
Do I need to prepare my skin before coming in?
Just come with clean skin if possible, but there’s no special preparation needed. If you’re considering specific treatments like chemical peels or laser services, Catherine will give you detailed pre-treatment instructions during your consultation.
Will I get treatment on the same day as my consultation?
Many patients do receive treatment during their first visit, especially for services like BOTOX or dermal fillers. However, some treatments require scheduling a separate appointment or specific preparation. Catherine will work with your schedule and preferences to create the best plan.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a valid ID, your insurance card if applicable, and a list of any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. If you have photos showing how your skin or concerns have changed over time, those can be helpful too.
Can I wear makeup to my consultation?
Yes, you can wear makeup to your appointment. Catherine needs to examine your bare skin during the consultation, but you can remove makeup when you arrive. If you’re getting treatment the same day, you’ll want to leave your face clean afterward for best results.
Is there parking available at the Bronxville location?
The med spa Bronxville office at 77 Pondfield Road has convenient parking options nearby. Street parking and public lots are available within a short walk of the practice, making it easy to get to your appointment without stress.

